If you're reading this, I'm assuming you have an interest in reviving the Utah Ska scene, whether you live in Utah or not.
For that, I'd like to say thanks for joining in the movement.
And now to the blog.
I remember a time when I was going to a ska show every weekend, and some where I was actually torn between which of the local acts I wanted to see, because 2 or more shows landed on the same night. In those nights of my youth (and some of yours, I'll wager) friendships were formed, a sense of unity prevailed, and --because of constant skanking-- I was in the best shape of my life. I could recognize a rudie by the patch jackets, or two tone suits and shoes, from a mile away. I'd see a Madness sticker on the bumper of the car infront of us, and I'd try to pass them to see if I knew the driver.
On one occasion, I was out grocery shopping with my family, and I saw a Hepcat sticker on the bumper of a car, and I made it my goal to find the owner. It wasn't tough... a pork pie hat stands out anywhere. And because of the scene unity, I wasn't afraid to approach this absolute stranger and start up a conversation.
Then, for reasons beyond my control, I took a year off from all things rude.
When I came back, playing sax for Arrogant, I was appauled. The ska scene had fallen apart at the seems... no longer did creepers and wing tips roam the streets. No longer did random upbeats drift from the open windows of passing cars. I had to honestly HUNT for local ska bands, and the few that I did find were nothing more than a random bluebeat among punk rock agression.
And, frankly, I'm sick of it.
There are almost double the ska bands in this valley as there were a year ago, so I think my efforts won't be in vain. People have approached my friends to ask them about Streetlight Manifesto or The Slackers, simply because they heard a decent horn line waft acrossed a school parking lot. That leads me to believe people WANT ska back in their lives.
So, this is the start of the movement, and thank you for your support and help.
-MX